District Overview
Westonka Public Schools Independent School District 277 offers:

• small class sizes
• low student-staff ratios
• rigorous curriculum
• student-centered enrichment options
• challenging and fun extracurricular activities
• safe and caring environment for all students
• lifelong learning opportunities.

Our schools reflect Westonka's commitment to educational excellence. Westonka is among the state's top performing school districts on standardized tests. Three Westonka schools are 2004 Five Star Schools, placing them among the "top echelon of schools in the state" (Minnesota Dept. of Education). All Westonka schools have been recognized for successfully meeting the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Westonka students score among the highest levels in Minnesota on state tests in math, reading, and writing, and they regularly earn recognition for high achievement in both academics and the arts. Strong community support for education is reflected through parent and citizen involvement in the schools, and in a scholarship program that provided more than $40,000 in college scholarships to the Class of 2004.

Students attend four district schools. Hilltop Primary and Shirley Hills Primary serve students in grades pre-K-4. Grandview Middle School is home to grades 5-7. Mound Westonka High School serves students in grades 8 and 9 with a prep high school program that focuses on the adjustment from middle school to high school, followed by a traditional high school program for grades 10-12. The district also has a vibrant Early Childhood program, offering Early Childhood Family Education classes and the Westonka Community Preschool.

There are 2,300 students, kindergarten through grade 12, served by nearly 175 teachers and 100 support staff. Community Education and Services offers classes for lifelong learners of all ages, from infants to senior citizens.

An ideal place to raise a family
The Westonka Public Schools serve all or part of eight communities nestled along the western shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka, including: Mound
Spring Park

Minnetrista
Shorewood
Orono
Independence
Navarre
Lyndale

The community preserves the tranquil ambiance of a small town - quiet, charming, and safe - within close proximity of Minneapolis and St. Paul. With its 17 miles of shoreline, the Westonka area has long been a summer vacation spot, and its resort atmosphere remains strong. In these small towns, people generally know one another by name and still hold parades through downtown. Yet, within a 30-minute drive, families have access to a full array of urban amenities in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Experienced staff
Our talented staff includes professionals who have been honored as national finalist for Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year 2004, Leadership Achievement Award 2004 for elementary and middle school principals, Outstanding Young Minnesotan 2002, Who's Who Among American Teachers 2002, High School Principal of the Year 2001, and Minnesota Music Educators Association Teacher of the Year 2000. In addition, the District's pioneering use of music education software has been cited in U.S. News & World Report (3/17/03).

Schools that offer what parents want
Westonka is one of a select group of Minnesota districts honored with the "What Parents Want" award from SchoolMatch, the nation's largest school selection consulting firm.

Our school district is responsive to student and community needs. Over the past two years, we've added all day, every day kindergarten; expanded preschool offerings with extended child care services, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; a full-time gifted and talented coordinator; a nationally acclaimed assessment program that is helping us increase student achievement and provide critical information to teachers and parents; and an expanded small learning communities program in grades 10-12.

Parent involvement
The Westonka Public Schools welcome and encourage parents to get involved inside and outside the classroom. Parents are encouraged to be classroom assistants, serve as professional resources, join site management or event committees, chaperone field trips, and participate in parent-teacher organizations. Our outstanding Early Childhood program is known for its high degree of involvement by parents who tend to stay involved throughout the later grades.

Visiting Westonka schools
To arrange a visit to our primary schools or middle school, call the school office directly. To schedule a tour of the high school, call the guidance department at 952.491.8115.

Hilltop Primary School
(pre-kindergarten through 4th grade)
5700 Game Farm Road
Minnetrista MN 55364
ph: 952.491.8500
fax: 952.491.8503
Joe Wacker, principal

Shirley Hills Primary School
(pre-kindergarten through 4th grade)
2450 Wilshire Boulevard
Mound MN 55364
ph: 952.491.8400
fax: 952.491.8403
Todd Tischer, principal

Grandview Middle School
(Grades 5 through 7)
1881 Commerce Boulevard
Mound MN 55364
ph: 952.491.8300
fax: 952.491.8303
Kevin Borg, principal

Mound Westonka High School
(Grades 8 through 12)
5905 Sunnyfield Road East
Minnetrista MN 55364
ph: 952.491.8100
Guidance Dept. ph: 952.491.8115
fax: 952.491.8103
Keith Randklev, principal

Administrative Offices
Educational Service Center
5901 Sunnyfield Road East
Minnetrista MN 55364
ph: 952.491.8000
fax: 952.491.8012
welisten@westonka.k12.mn.us
Gene Zulk, superintendent